US Vice President JD Vance is set to visit India on a four-day trip. His visit comes at a time when the United States is engaged in an intense trade war with neighboring China over tariffs. During this high-stakes diplomatic period, Vance is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss how the ongoing conflict between the two global powers may impact the world economy.

Just ahead of Vance’s visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping completed a tour of key trade partner countries in Southeast Asia. His trip aimed to portray China as a stable and reliable trade partner amid escalating tensions over retaliatory tariffs. Xi’s most recent stop was in Malaysia, just two days ago.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed Vance’s visit, stating that the trip will provide an opportunity for both countries to review and advance bilateral relations.

According to the official itinerary, Vance will travel to Italy today (Friday) before heading to Delhi. He is leading diplomatic engagements with countries around the world under President Donald Trump’s third term. Since assuming office in January this year, Trump has not yet visited any foreign nation.

According to a BBC report, on the first day of the visit—Monday, April 21—Vance and Indian officials are expected to hold talks on economic and geopolitical issues. Both nations are working toward finalizing a trade agreement within the next few months.

Last week, President Trump temporarily suspended high tariffs on all countries except China for 90 days. Meanwhile, countries around the world are continuing negotiations with the US to avoid steep duties. Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods, with some products facing rates as high as 245%. In retaliation, China has imposed up to 125% tariffs on US goods. As the world’s second-largest economy, China is now facing the challenge of managing these tariffs, which are believed to be slightly slowing its economic growth.

Following the US announcement of new tariff policies, both Washington and Delhi have intensified efforts to reach a commercial agreement. India has already reduced tariffs on several products and is reportedly considering broader cuts in response to Trump's threats. Until recently, the US was India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $190 billion. Shortly after Trump’s inauguration, Prime Minister Modi visited the US in February, where he held discussions with President Trump.